Sweden entry requirements for Malta passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 2026·View sources
No visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Malta passport holders can enter Sweden visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies to tourism, business, and short-term study. As of 2026, no visa or pre-arrival registration is needed.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your Maltese passport needs to be valid for the entire time you're in Sweden. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Swedish law, but airlines may check for at least 3 months validity. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the Schengen area | Immigration officers in Sweden routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you'll leave the Schengen zone within 90 days. Have a printed or digital copy ready — budget airlines often check this at check-in too. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Swedish border officers may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. A hotel confirmation or a signed invitation from a host with their address works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | You don't need a specific amount, but be ready to show cash, bank statements, or a credit card if asked. Officers want to see you can cover your stay without working illegally. | Recommended |
Schengen Zone Rules Apply
Your 90-day visa-free allowance covers all 27 Schengen countries combined. If you've already spent 60 days in France earlier this year, you only have 30 days left for Sweden and the rest of Schengen. Use the Schengen calculator to track your days.
EU Citizen Rights
As a Maltese passport holder, you have the right to live and work in Sweden without a visa. For stays over 3 months, you must register with the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) and obtain a personal identity number (personnummer). This is a straightforward process.
What happens at the border
1
Arrival at Swedish Border
When you land at Arlanda (Stockholm), Landvetter (Gothenburg), or any other Swedish airport, join the 'All Passports' queue. Have your passport, return ticket (screenshot), and accommodation booking ready. The officer will check your passport and may ask your purpose of visit and length of stay. Answer clearly and briefly. You'll get a stamp in your passport — check the date is correct before walking away.
2
During Your Stay
You can move freely within Sweden and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days total. Keep your passport and a copy of your return ticket with you at all times. If you're staying in a hotel, they'll register you automatically. For private accommodation, you don't need to register with local authorities.
3
Departure
No exit formalities. Just go to the airport, check in, and board. Your passport won't be stamped on departure. Keep your boarding pass until you're through security.
Download Sweden Entry Checklist
PDF · Malta Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (≈ $87 USD)
For stays beyond 90 days or if you need a visa for other purposes.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€80 (≈ $87 USD)
Allows multiple entries, useful for frequent travelers.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€80 (≈ $87 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification. Requires sponsorship.
work visa
Work Permit (Arbetstillstånd)
Up to 2 years, renewable
€200 (≈ $218 USD) application fee
For skilled workers with a job offer in Sweden. Requires employer sponsorship and meeting salary thresholds. Allows family reunification.
Apply student visa
Residence Permit for Studies
Duration of study program, up to 1 year renewable
€150 (≈ $163 USD) application fee
For full-time students at a Swedish university. Requires proof of admission and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work.
Apply digital nomad visa
Sweden Digital Nomad Visa (Proposed)
Up to 1 year
Not yet established
Sweden is considering a visa for remote workers. Currently, you may stay up to 90 days visa-free. Check official sources for updates.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays longer than 90 days or if visa is required for other reasons. | €80 (≈ $87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (≈ $87 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying the 90-day limit can result in fines and future entry bans. | €100 per day (≈ $109 USD), max €1,000 (≈ $1,090 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Sweden
No transit visa needed
Malta passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Sweden, as they are visa-free for short stays.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsStockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) · Göteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) · Malmö Airport (MMX)
Health & vaccines for Sweden
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTick-borne encephalitis (TBE)Consider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially in summer. Vaccination recommended for outdoor activities.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Transmitted by ticks in wooded areas. Use repellent and check for ticks.
Seasonal influenzaLow risk
Common in winter months. Consider annual flu vaccine.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Stockholm
Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) – Stockholm Office
Södermalmsallén 36, 118 28 Stockholm
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
For visa extensions or residence permits. Book an appointment online in advance.
Gothenburg
Swedish Migration Agency – Gothenburg Office
Polhemsplatsen 3, 411 11 Göteborg
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Handles visa and permit applications. Arrive early to avoid queues.
Practical information for MT travellers
Country basics
CapitalStockholm
LanguageSwedish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid.
Money
CurrencySwedish Krona (SEK)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 9.39 SEK
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h (EST) / +6h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+9h (PST) / +9h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C, F — US plugs do not fit. Bring a European adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink throughout Sweden.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Sweden — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. Malta is an EU member, and Swedish immigration treats Maltese passport holders as EU citizens for short stays. You can enter visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism, business, or short-term study.
Up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This counts all days spent in Sweden and other Schengen countries combined. If you've already spent 90 days in the Schengen area in the last 180 days, you cannot enter again until the 180-day window resets.
Generally no for tourism. Extensions are only granted in exceptional circumstances (e.g., medical emergency, force majeure). If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a residence permit before your 90 days expire. Contact the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) for details.
Your valid passport (6+ months validity), a return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation for your first night. Immigration may also ask for proof of funds (bank statement or cash) and travel insurance. Have these ready in your hand luggage.
Not for EU citizens. However, it's strongly recommended because medical costs in Sweden are high. A basic policy covering medical emergencies and repatriation costs around €20–50 for a week. Without it, a hospital visit could cost hundreds of euros per day.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, and short-term study only. If you want to work, you need a work permit or residence permit. As an EU citizen, you have the right to work in Sweden without a visa, but you must register with the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) if you stay longer than 3 months.
Overstaying is a violation of Schengen rules. You may be fined, banned from re-entering the Schengen area for up to 5 years, or both. If you realize you'll overstay, contact the Swedish Migration Agency immediately to discuss your options.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.